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Do as I say (not as I do): Nick Clegg’s Privy Council double standards

Last week the Sun roused anger after they ran a front page claiming that the Queen backs Brexit. The paper reports that the Queen expressed concerns about the European Union during a tense exchange with Nick Clegg over lunch in 2011. With Clegg stopping short of completely denying the story, Michael Gove has since been accused of being behind the leak after it was revealed that the pair both attended a lunch with the Queen that year.

Clegg has expressed outrage that Privy Council members would dare to divulge details of private conversations with the Queen:

‘I find it rather distasteful to reveal conversations with the Queen.’

So imagine Mr S’s surprise on reading the Mail on Sunday serialisation of David Laws’ new book Coalition: The Inside Story Of The Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government. In this, Laws recalls a conversation between Clegg — who was then Deputy Prime Minister — and the Queen about plans to change the rules on the Royal succession.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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